Liverpool has been identified as a leading host city for Wales’ premier cultural event by Labour politicians.

The National Eisteddfod was last held in Liverpool in 1929 but two leading north Wales Labour figures have made the case for the city to host the event for a fourth time.

Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones, who represent Clwyd South in the Assembly and Westminster respectively, made the call as a specialist group examines the future of the festival, which is subsidised by the Labour Welsh Government.

The event attracts around 160,000 visitors over an eight day period. It was held in Liverpool in 1884, 1900 and 1929 and in Birkenhead in 1879.

Mr Skates said: “The National Eisteddfod is as popular and important in 2013 as it ever has been. We were lucky enough to have the festival in Wrexham in 2011 and it helped bring in a much- needed cash boost of over £1m for local businesses.

“This year’s festival in Denbigh is shaping up to be a similar success. What we should do now is use its strength and pulling power, even if it is just once every 10 years, to take the Eisteddfod outside Wales to help more people understand Wales, its language and its culture.

“The Eisteddfod could be taken to Liverpool or to London. They both have very strong cultural connections with Wales and a significant ex-pat community with a thirst for Welsh culture.

“Such a move would be in keeping with the recent modernisation of the National Eisteddfod with the addition of Maes B and decision to allow alcohol to be served on the festival site.

“Given the challenges thrown up by the 2011 census which showed a fall in the number of places where over half the population could speak Welsh, we have to innovate to keep the National Eisteddfod the strong cultural brand that it is.” Ms Jones said: “I know people will have different views on this subject but I think there are real advantages in terms of supporting families who are committed to keeping the Welsh language and culture alive outside of Wales.

“There are far too many examples of the Welsh language being lost in families because they live outside of Wales for a time.

“This initiative could be a real boost to them.

“It would also be an excellent way of showcasing Wales and promoting Welsh as a living, and ultimately I hope, growing, community language.”

The Eisteddfod was also held in London in 1884 and 1909. The Welsh Government has appointed a group to make recommendations about the future of the event which is due to report in September.